With championship Sunday less than 24 hours away, the teams involved (Falcons, Packers, Patriots, Steelers), are making final preparations for their biggest game of the season so far. All teams will need all hands on deck for this game, as their opponents are no slouches. Many teams are looking for a full team effort from everyone, and here's what we can expect:

Falcons X-factor

The Atlanta Falcons are taking on the Packers for the NFC Championship. The Falcons X-factor is on the defensive side, as OLB Vic Beasley Jr. needs to have a big game to give the Falcons a chance.

Beasley has been a QB's worst nightmare this season, accumulating 15.5 sacks. In their week eight game against the Packers, he had 1 sack on Aaron Rodgers. Aaron Rodgers' ability to extend plays in the pocket is what makes him such a great quarterback, and Vic Beasley needs to makes his presence felt. If Beasley can get to Rodgers, not always resulting in a sack, but maybe a QB hit or hurry, he can give his defensive teammates a chance to make plays. If Beasley can get at least two sacks on Rodgers, the Falcons will win this game. Beasley needs to have his best game ever, against one of the best pass protection lines in football.

Packers X-factor

The Packers are coming into this NFC championship game as underdogs, which could be good, as underdogs usually play with less pressure.

The Packers have been on a magical run, but they are going to need more than just Aaron Rodgers' arm and magic to get out of this game as NFC champions. With injuries mounting, the Packers will need a big game from their X-factor Ty Montgomery. Montgomery is a receiver playing halfback for Green Bay, and I'm pretty sure he will be needed to play both this game.

They will need to get him involved early and often. In losses this season where he played, he only has 17 rush attempts for 85 yards, and 18 receptions for 174 yards and no touchdowns. He needs to be a consistent problem for that Falcons defense if the Packers want a shot at bringing the Lombardi back home.

Patriots X-factor

The Pats are coming into the AFC championship game with most of their team healthy and ready to go.

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have been successful this season with a makeshift offensive line and with many playmakers people had never heard of until this season. The Patriots need another huge game from Dion Lewis to propel the Pats to the Super Bowl. Dion Lewis was a TD machine last week, scoring 3 times in different ways. The Steelers have been playing pretty well since the playoffs began, but they haven't played a back like this yet. Lewis can beat you either on offense or special teams, so Pittsburgh needs to be ready. If Lewis can impact the game, don't be surprised to see the Pats in the Super Bowl.

Steelers X-factor

The Steelers are coming in off of a pretty solid win over the Chiefs.

Their X-factor is easily running back Le'Veon Bell. Bell has been a workhorse in these playoffs, rushing for 337 yards in his first two postseason games (the most by any player in their first two postseason games). Bell's patience has been on display as he waits for the crease to open and then makes his move. The Pats kept him contained when they played earlier this season (holding him to only 81 yards, and averaging 3.9 YPC). He will need a better game than that. Bell is hitting his stride at the right time, and he needs another 150+ yard rushing game to get the Steelers to Houston.
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